Process of treating fabrics and the product thereof



Patented Apr. 14, 1925.

UNITED STATES JACOB S. HOFFMAN.

OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

PROCESS OF TREATING FABRICS AND THE PRODUCT THEREOF.

No Drawing. Application filed: June 7,

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JACOB S. HOFFMAN,

a citizen of the United States. and resident of the city of New York, in the county and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Processes of Treating Fabrics and the Product Thereof, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a. processof treating fibrous materials inorder to reinforce and strengthen their constituent fibers and to produce a fabric which is relatively soft and resilient and is also impervious to water. The invention also relates to the resulting product.

The invention is especially applicable to woven fabrics, and particularly the fabrics that are employed for or in the manufacture of so-called soft collars, cuffs, borders, and other articles of apparel.

The improved process comprises the step of impregnating the individual fibers of the fabric with a novel solution, which, when solidified, forms a waterproof resilient filling for the fibers, as contradistinguished from a mere filmy varnish or coating on the surface of the fabric.

In carrying out my invention in its pre ferred form a. bath, comprising a solution of celluloid in amyl acetate and formaldehyde, is prepared. This solution is applied to the surface of the fabric in any suitable manner, and is sufiiciently fluid to impregnate the constituent fibers and become incorporated therewith as rapidly as it is applied thereto. In practice the liquid is carried up from the bath by a rotating brush and is directly applied to the opposing surface of a web of fabric which is continuously drawn from a roll. The fabric after it leaves the brush progresses through theair a sufficient interval of time until the impregnated fibers have become dry, whereupon the fabric is wound on a suitable beam or roll. If desired, the impregnated fabric can be passed between and subjected to the action of a pair of warm rolls in order to expedite the drying operation.

In the finished product the fibers are materially reinforced and strengthened without appreciable shrinkage. The treated fabric is not harsh nor stiff, but on the contrary it is relatively soft and resilient, and at the same time it is resistant to water. The fabric can be repeatedly washed, dried and ironed, without any substantial change 1921. Serial No. 475,608.

in its physical structure or texture. The fabric is therefore particularly useful for the production of soft collars, cuffs, borders, and the like; although of course it may be advantageously used for other purposes.

A specific example of. an efiicient impregnating solution is as follows: Finely divided dry celluloid, 20 parts, and formaldehyde (40% aqueous solution) 20 parts. These materials are thoroughly stirred and agitated for a sufficient interval of time until a thin fluid solution has been attained. The amyl acetate in the presence of formaldehyde rapidly dissolves the constitutents of the celluloid and combines therewith to produce a transparent waterproof mobile liquid. The formaldehyde not only functions as a solvent, but it reacts on the constituents of the mass in such a manner as to render the treated fibers waterproof.

Instead of impregnating the fabric with the solution before the fabric is made up into collars, cuffs, or other products, the articles themselves may be impregnated after they have been manufactured. In some cases, the solution may simply be applied to the folds or borders of the articles.

I do not limit myself to the specific ingredients, or steps or proportions herein described, as the same may be varied within the principle of my invention and the scope of the appended I claim v 1. A process of treating fibrous fabrics, comprising impregnating the constituent fibers thereof with a solution of celluloid in amyl acetate and formaldehyde, the celluloid and formaldehyde being in substantially equal proportions, and the amyl ace tate being in excess ofthe combined proportions of celluloid andformaldehyde, the whole being such that a thin limpid liquid is produced which substantially permeates the individual fibers and forms a water-proof resilient filling therefor, as contradistinguished from a mere filmy coating.

2. A process of treating fibrous fabrics, comprising impregnating the constituent fibers thereof with a. solution consisting of celluloid in amyl acetate and formaldehyde claims.

in about the proportion of celluloid 20- parts; amyl acetate 60 parts, and formaldehyde (40% aqueous solution) 20 parts.

3. Fibrous material whereof the constitparts; amyl acetate,

uent fibers are impregnated with a transparent Water-proof mixture of celluloid amyl acetate and formaldehyde in about the proportion of celluloid 20 Earts, amyl acetate 60 parts, and formalde yde (40% aqueous solution) 20 parts.

4. The herein described composition for treating fibrous material, said composition consisting of a transparent Water-proof mobile solution of celluloid, amyl acetate and 10 Signed at New York in the county and 15 State of New York this 6th day of June A. D. 1921.

JACOB S. HOFFMAN. 

